Intentional Ambiguity

In the culture we live in, where everything is marketed and nothing is quite what it seems, ambiguity is pervasive. There may be a variety of reasons for this; one is definitely for self-protection.

My husband works in the service industry and in the past has been instructed that when dealing with customers who are dissatisfied to communicate concern, be apologetic, but concede (giveaway) as little as possible. You can imagine if you were the customer how frustrating that would be.

Besides being frustrating, intentional ambiguity feels manipulative and deceitful. There are so many verses of scripture to inspire us to live an honorable life, but none better than:

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise, you will be condemned” (James 5:12).